Attorney (Finance and Tax)

This position is for an Attorney in the Senate Committee on Finance and Tax. Provides legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation, legislative programs, legal instruments, opinions, briefs, or other documents; conducts research to assist a higher level attorney or staff director; and provides counsel and advice to legislative committees.

While prior experience in the tax area is not a prerequisite, an applicant should demonstrate an aptitude for analyzing tax issues, government financial matters, and revenue estimates.
 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S., this position is required to electronically file a Form 1 –Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire.

• Assists with legal research in evaluating state statutes and preparation of legal opinions on questions submitted by authorized persons.
• Prepares and drafts routine contracts, agreements, and related legal documents for authorized parties. 
• Drafts legislative bills, resolutions, and amendments in technically complete language, under supervision.
• Provides legal counsel and advice to legislators and legislative committees on the less complex legal matters including the development of legislation and legislative programs; interprets state and federal legislation related to programs of any governmental unit.
• Recommends needed changes to legislation based upon trends in case law, agency comment or citizen request.
• Performs legal research concerning the interpretation of Florida Statutes and on other matters in question for Legislators and staff; answers telephone inquiries and composes routine responses to constituents.
• Assists in representing the Legislature in legislative or administrative hearings under supervision of more experienced attorneys.
• Handles administrative litigation on matters relating to education; performs legal research and prepares legal opinions and drafts routine pleadings, briefs related to ethics and elections issues; conducts discovery through depositions, interrogatories and requests for production of documents. 
• Reviews agency action pursuant to Chapter 120, the Administrative Procedures Act, to identify instances of the invalid exercise of delegated legislative authority; monitors Florida court cases and administrative decisions and advises agencies accordingly; reviews statutes passed each session and calls to the attention of the agencies all those which may require administrative rule promulgation, repeal or amendment.
• Maintains communications with agency heads, or their assigned deputies, assistants, and agency general counsel.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedure.
• Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
• Ability to provide legal counsel.
• Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules.
• Ability to employ legal reasoning and to foresee possible legal problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take action in situations which lack clear direction.
• Ability to take initiative on independent research projects.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to use independent judgment when releasing information to the public.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to conduct meetings and to make presentations.
• Ability to perform legal writing and prepare various legal documents.
• Ability to research legal documents and legal references.

Attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar.

Salary
Salary commensurate with experience.
The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.

Application Deadline
Open until filled.

Accommodation for Disability
If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.